We live in such an individualized society that we often focus more on our personal carbon footprint (the emissions associated with what we eat, how we travel, where we live) than on our climate shadow: how we interact with and influence those around us.

Yet, how does any system change? It changes when people within that system advocate and call for change.

That's why long-time climate activist @billmckibben says, "the most important thing an individual can do right now is not be such an individual."

And that is why I'm convinced our voices are the most powerful tool we have in the fight against climate change!
https://www.mic.com/impact/forget-your-carbon-footprint-lets-talk-about-your-climate-shadow

Some people today are understandably overwhelmed by the avalanche of negative and depressing news on climate change we hear every day.

As a defense mechanism, they've convinced themselves that nothing they or anyone else can do will make a difference. We're doomed, they believe. As psychologist Susan Tanner says, "apocalyptic thinking can be very useful to people who need to feel a sense of control. Living with uncertainty...is the hardest thing to do for all human beings."

I understand and completely sympathise with where they are coming from. But if we decide we are doomed, then we truly will be. That's why, to them, I say:

If you are convinced that we are doomed and there’s nothing anyone can do to avoid the climate crisis and the collapse of the biosphere,

❌ stop doom scrolling and get off social media
😳 don’t attack or hinder others who are doing their best to make a difference
🐾 adopt a pet in need of a home
🌳 spend as much time as you can in nature
🤲 if you are able, find a local climate action group, and ask what you can do to help
❤️ focus on what you can do to make the world a better place for people around you

Others are convinced that the one specific personal action they take or one specific large-scale action will be enough to save the world if everyone did it, and they advocate for that single solution with the fervor of an evangelist.

To them, I say: there is no silver bullet, no, not even yours. But there is a lot of silver buckshot and that's even better news. We need to deploy as many solutions as we can, prioritizing what works best for a given person, place, or organization.

Project Drawdown has a great summary here: http://www.drawdown.org